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NYPD: City environmental agency employee charged after fatally striking pedestrian
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Apr 10, 2024
Modified Apr 11, 2024
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By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Apr 10, 2024
Modified Apr 11, 2024
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An employee at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection was arrested Monday for fatally striking a Queens woman with a city truck while on the job, according to police.
Roderick Mitchell, 38, was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care after turning himself in at the 110 precinct house, near where the crash occurred, officials said.
Mitchell allegedly hit 43-year-old Natalia Garcia-Valencia as she crossed the intersection of 57th Avenue and 80th Street in Elmhurst around 8:30 a.m. on March 12. He was making a right turn onto 80th Street in a Ford F-750 registered to the DEP.
Garcia-Valencia of Middle Village was severely injured and pronounced dead at NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst.
Police said Mitchell stayed on scene at the time, but that further investigation revealed cause for the arrest.
His arraignment was pending Wednesday morning in Queens Criminal Court, and information for his lawyer was not immediately available.
In an online obituary for Garcia-Valencia, more than a hundred friends, family members and former colleagues shared photos and memories. Garcia-Valencia was a mother of two boys, and had worked in hospitals as a physical therapist, according to the tributes. She also taught yoga.
“For someone so tiny in stature, Natalia could command an entire room of people with just her sweet smile, her soft voice, and a glimmer in her eyes,” wrote friend Valerie Short, who said she first met Garcia-Valencia at a yoga instructor training course in 2013.
Another friend recalled her wisdom as a mom of two boys.
“She saved my life on days I felt like I just couldn’t do another hour at the playground, made me laugh until we cried, and reminded me not to take any of it too seriously, except the truly important things,” wrote Lauren Clavin. “Her loss is devastating and immeasurable.”
A spokesperson for the DEP said the driver was hired last year and underwent safety training but has been barred from driving a vehicle.
"This collision was a terrible tragedy and we are devastated for the family of the woman who lost her life," said DEP spokesperson Ed Timbers. "Anyone who operates a vehicle, especially on busy NYC roadways, must use the utmost caution. As we continue our review of the incident, we are also reviewing our own safety protocols.”
This story has been updated with comment from the DEP.
Tagged
public safety
queens
pedestrian fatalities
transportation
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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